The smell likely indicates a bacterial buildup in your dishwasher’s filter or drain. Cleaning these areas with vinegar or a specialized cleaner should help eliminate the odor.
Dishwasher emitting an unpleasant odor and unpleasant smell can be quite irritating and may make you hesitant to use your dishwasher. There are steps you can take to address this issue and restore a fresh and clean scent to your appliance. Here is the thorough process of eliminating the odor and getting your dishwasher back to its optimal condition.
Possible Causes of the Rotten Egg and Sewage Smell
To effectively combat the foul smell emanating from your dishwasher, it is important to understand its possible causes.
- Dirty Gasket: The rubber gasket lining the dishwasher door can accumulate dirt and debris, absorbing odors and causing them to linger.
- Clogged Filters: Filters in the dishwasher may become clogged with food particles, leading to the development of unpleasant odors.
- Garbage Disposal Connection: If your dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal, the odor may be originating from there. Food particles stuck in the disposal can release sulfur-like smells.
- Rotted Food Debris: Food debris that gets trapped in the drain hose or filter can decay over time, resulting in a sulfuric smell.
Quick Steps to Eliminate Odors
Clean the Gasket:
- Use a non-harsh chemical, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent, to clean the gasket.
- Ensure no residual detergent remains on the gasket.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the rubber.
Clean the Filters:
- Remove the dishwasher filters and rinse away any accumulated debris.
- Brush off any remaining residue to ensure the filters are clean.
Check the Garbage Disposal:
- Run some ice cubes, lemon juice, and vinegar through the garbage disposal to neutralize any odors.
- This helps clear any food particles causing the smell.
Vinegar Rinse:
- Empty your dishwasher and place a cup of vinegar in the bottom.
- Put the filters back in (if removed) and run a high-temperature wash cycle.
- The vinegar will help eliminate any lingering odors and clean the dishwasher.
Check for Other Culprits:
- Examine the screen and aerator for collected food debris.
- Rinse the screen and aerator to ensure they are clean.
- Use a hose to flush out the connection between the sink and garbage disposal to remove any trapped particles.
Clear Water Sprayer Arms:
- Inspect the water sprayer arms for any food debris or blockages.
- Use a toothpick or a similar tool to clear any clogged sprayer holes.
Address Rotted Food Debris:
- Clean the dishwasher filter located in the door to remove any rotted food debris.
- Consider using bleach water to thoroughly sanitize the filter.
Baking Soda and Vinegar:
- Run a couple of cycles with baking soda and vinegar to further eliminate odors.
- This combination helps neutralize smells and refreshes the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Question
Why does my dishwasher smell like rotten eggs?
The smell is often caused by various factors, including dirty gaskets, clogged filters, food debris in the garbage disposal, or rotted food trapped in the drain hose or filter.
Can sulfur-smelling well water be the cause of the odor?
If you do not have well water or if it doesn’t have a sulfur smell, this is unlikely to be the cause of the odor.
Could deviled egg pieces be stuck in the dishwasher drain hose?
Deviled egg pieces are unlikely to cause such an odor, especially if your dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal.
How does the dishwasher filter work?
The filter catches larger food debris to prevent it from clogging the drain hose. If not cleaned regularly, the trapped food can rot, leading to unpleasant odors.
Should I clean the dishwasher filter in the door?
Yes, cleaning the filter in the door is essential. Neglecting this part would be like removing small debris but leaving a larger source of odor in place.
Can I use bleach to clean the dishwasher filter?
While bleach can sanitize, it may affect metal parts and seals in the dishwasher over time. Consider using bleach water cautiously and thoroughly rinsing afterward.
What if there are food debris stuck in the water sprayer arms?
Though rare, food debris can accumulate in the sprayer arms. Clear the clogged holes using a toothpick to ensure proper water circulation.
What if the smell is still present after cleaning the filter?
If the odor persists, try running a few cycles with baking soda and vinegar to further eliminate any lingering smells.
Key Notes and Important Points
- Regularly clean the dishwasher gasket and filters to prevent odors.
- Check the garbage disposal for any trapped food particles.
- Run vinegar cycles and consider using baking soda to refresh the dishwasher.
- Clear the water sprayer arms and inspect the filter in the door.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage dishwasher components.
